Barber Half Dollar (1892 – 1916) Charles E. Barber became Chief Engraver at the Mint in 1879 and maintained the position until his death in 1917. During his tenure he redesigned all the silver denominations and the five cent nickel coins. His work was utilitarian and while often criticized for their lack of panache, they were the most functional designs the Mint utilized up to that point. The Barber silver coinage was produced in large quantities and without change from 1892 until 1916 when it gave way to the newer art deco renditions of the so called renaissance era. The Barber half series is widely collected in all grades and with no true “stoppers” the date set can be easily completed with some diligence. Most dates are available in grades up to choice or gem with superb gem and better examples representing excellent values when price to population data is examined.
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